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Why it’s hard to build wealth with a Cash ISA (and some other options to explore)

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Why it’s hard to build wealth with a Cash ISA (and some other options to explore)


Image source: Getty Images

The Cash ISA is a popular financial product. Government figures show that today, millions of Britons have savings in them.

They’re a good way to save money, earn tax-free interest on it and know that it’s safe. What a lot of people don’t realise though is that it’s hard to build real wealth with a Cash ISA. Below, I’ll explain why, and also highlight some other options to consider.

Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice. Readers are responsible for carrying out their own due diligence and for obtaining professional advice before making any investment decisions.

Cash ISA returns aren’t great

History shows that it’s hard to get ahead financially with a simple cash savings product like the Cash ISA. The issue is inflation. Often, it averages between 2%-3% per year (in the UK it spiked up over 10% during the coronavirus pandemic).

If it’s running at 2.5% and you’re earning 4% from a Cash ISA, you’re really only growing your money at 1.5% a year in ‘real’ terms after inflation. That’s not ideal.

Invest £100,000 for 20 years at a return of 1.5% a year, and you’ll end up with just £135,000.

Building real wealth

To actually build wealth over the long term, it’s smart to consider stock market-based investments such as stocks, funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). These can be held inside products such as the Stocks and Shares ISA, Lifetime ISA, and Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP).

Over the long term, the stock market tends to return around 7%-10% per year on average. So, it can be a powerful tool in the battle against inflation.

For example, let’s say that one was able to generate a return of 9% per year from stocks for 20 years. And over that time, inflation stayed at 2.5%.

In this scenario, the investor would be looking at real returns of 6.5% per year. That kind of return would take a £100,000 investment to about £352,000 over the course of two decades (that’s £352k in today’s money).

That would be a good result. The investor would have more than tripled their wealth.

Investing in stocks

Of course, investing in the stock market is more complex than investing in a cash savings product. But you’d be surprised how easy it is to build a basic long-term portfolio today.

A good place to start is a global tracker fund. One example to consider here is the Vanguard FTSE All-World UCITS ETF (LSE: VWRP).

This provides exposure to over 3,500 stocks from a range of countries. So it could be a great foundation for a portfolio.

With this fund, one gets exposure to lots of world-class businesses including the likes of Apple, Nvidia, and Visa. And ongoing fees are low at just 0.22% per year.

In terms of performance, it returned 61% for the five-year period to the end of 2024 (in US dollar terms). That equates to an annualised return of about 10%, but past performance isn’t an indicator of future returns.

It’s worth pointing out that this kind of product can be volatile in the short term. If there are concerns about the global economy, or geopolitical risks, its share price can fall.

I think it’s a great place to consider starting though. From there, one could potentially look at adding in some growth stocks such as Amazon or Microsoft to try and boost returns. Over the last 20 years, these stocks have returned far more than 10% per year.



This story originally appeared on Motley Fool

Down 33% in 2024 — can the UK’s 2 worst blue-chips smash the stock market this year?

Motley Fool
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Down 33% in 2024 — can the UK’s 2 worst blue-chips smash the stock market this year?


Image source: Getty Images

I’ve been looking at last year’s UK stock market returns and two FTSE 100 companies leap out at me. Sadly, for the wrong reasons.

They’re the two worst performers on the blue-chip index, both having fallen around 33% over the last 12 months. But one year’s loser can turn out to be next year’s big winner. So do they have serious comeback potential?

I actually considered buying one of the stocks in September: international sports betting and gambling company Entain (LSE: ENT).

It caught my attention after jumping more than 18% in a month following a successful Euros football tournament, as results went in its favour.

Should I entertain Entain shares?

Investors had another reason to feel upbeat as gaming industry veteran Gavin Isaacs took over from CEO Jette Nygaard-Andersen, whose acquisition spree hadn’t yet paid off.

Thankfully, I didn’t part with my money. Although Chancellor Rachel Reeves didn’t tighten gambling regulation in her autumn Budget, Brazil and the Netherlands did.

Then on 16 December, Australian regulators hit Entain with a money-laundering lawsuit and the shares went down under. Its price is down 33% over 12 months and 60% over three years.

I’m no fan of the gaming industry but I can see there’s an opportunity here. The 17 analysts offering one-year share price forecasts have produced a median target of just over 955p. If correct, that’s a bumper increase of more than 50% from today.

Entain has a huge opportunity in the US via its 50:50 BetMGM joint venture with MGM Resorts International. I can’t imagine President-elect Donald Trump announcing a gaming crackdown. The shares look decent value with a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.7, although not dirt cheap. The yield is a modest 2.83%.

The Entain share price could suddenly rocket but with regulators marauding at every turn, it could go either way. It’s one for gamblers. Not for me.

Will Spirax shares spiral in 2025?

Last year’s second big flop is a stock I’ve never considered buying. Spirax (LSE: SPX) specialises in niche products such as industrial and commercial steam systems. It’s flown completely under my radar.

As well as falling by a third over the last year, the Spirax share price has slumped ped 55% over three years. I’m glad I overlooked it.

Sales have been hit by the global industrial slowdown, with falling Chinese demand hitting the group’s Steam Thermal Solutions division.

Yet once again, analysts are upbeat. The 17 brokers offering one-year forecasts produce a median target of 7,825p, up 18% from today’s 6,630p.

The shares look expensive despite their recent dismal run, with a P/E of 21.46 times. That’s well above the FTSE 100 average of 15 times.

The big attraction is the group’s excellent dividend track record, with 55 years of consecutive annual dividend growth. It’s a true Dividend Aristocrat. The growth continues as this chart shows.


Chart by TradingView

Today the shares are forecast to yield a modest 2.6%, covered 1.8 times by earnings.

Yet I’m not convinced. Especially when I see net debt of £1bn. That’s pretty steep given the £5bn market cap. Spirax should fare better in 2025 as some of its more profitable end markets recover, but I think I can find better value on the FTSE 100 right now.



This story originally appeared on Motley Fool

Here’s why I’m still holding out for a Rolls-Royce share price dip

Motley Fool
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Here’s why I’m still holding out for a Rolls-Royce share price dip


Image source: Getty Images

If I look back over the past five years and choose one stock I wish I owned, it would have to be Rolls-Royce Holdings (LSE: RR.), and not just because of the share price climb.

Yes, the shares are up 470% in the past two years. And I confess I’m a bit sore that I missed out on that. But more importantly, I see Rolls-Royce as a company with a great long-term future.

Perhaps ironically, the 2020 stock market crash might have been just what Rolls needed to kick it out of complacency. Today, it’s a slimmed-down and more efficient operation, headed by first-class management.

Share price dip?

If I think that, maybe I should just go with my long-term convictions and buy now? But then I think of something a friend once told me, a long time ago. He said: “You sure know how to buy shares after they’ve already gone up.“

So, here I am still hoping for a share price dip that could give me a better buying opportunity.

Does that mean I’m trying to time the market, which is usually a hopeless task? It would make no more sense than buying into something just because everyone else is.

But I reckon plenty have done exactly that, bought simply because it’s been going up. And if the price surge should end and the momentum investors jump ship…? I’ve seen that happen with probably 90% or more of all the growth stocks I’ve watched over the decades.

Market timer?

I’m really thinking more in terms of valuation than timing. I want to buy cheap, and I don’t care when that might be.

I don’t actually see Rolls-Royce shares as overvalued, even now. A forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 32 might look high. But compared to the global aerospace sector, it could be about right.

Then again, most of Rolls-Royce’s peers are US-listed stocks, where valuations are typically higher than on the London Stock Exchange.

Still, if the P/E drops to 25 by 2026 as forecasts suggest, Rolls shares could well be fair value now.

I want cheap

I know billionaire investor Warren Buffett, head of head of Berkshire Hathaway, urges us to buy great companies at fair prices. And yes, he’s done better than me at this game.

But surely even he’d prefer to buy his great companies at cheap prices rather than merely fair, wouldn’t he?

Right now, I see companies that I rate as having equally great long-term prospects to Rolls-Royce. But they’re on more attractive valuations, and with good dividends thrown in.

At the late stage in my investing career, those are the stocks I really should be buying today. And not chasing the high-flying but riskier growth stocks that might better suit younger investors.

Still watching

But I do see a chance that, one quarter, Rolls might not quite hit its lofty forecasts. That could lead to a nice buying opportunity, and I plan to keep a bit of cash ready just in case.



This story originally appeared on Motley Fool

The pretty UK town just 8 miles from Bath that looks like something from a fairytale | Travel News | Travel

Express.co.uk
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The pretty UK town just 8 miles from Bath that looks like something from a fairytale | Travel News | Travel


This pretty town is much loved by international tourists and Brits alike – it’s a popular spot for a day trip.

Bradford-On-Avon can be found in Wiltshire and it’s less than eight miles away from the city of Bath, extremely popular with tourists.

The town has a unique location on the edge of the Cotswolds facing the River Avon, which creates a stunning backdrop.

In the town’s centre, there is an ancient bridge, a focal point of the area still retaining two of its 13th-century arches.

The historical view from the main bridge incorporates the hill above the town which is dotted with the old weavers’ cottages. 

There is something for everyone in Bradford-On-Avon, from shopping to accommodation, restaurants and inns.

One must-do while in the area is to visit St Laurence Church, a visitor on Tripadvisor said. They shared on the website: “This is a little treasure. A Saxon church in the heart of a lovely Somerset town. 

“Some excellent preservation here and those of us who enjoy a bit of ecclesiastical architecture will love this rare survivor.”

Another must-visit is the Ilford Manor Estate, which is home to incredibly well-kept gardens.

One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “An unexpected find! Beautifully maintained Italianate gardens. We loved the varied viewpoints and terraces and were lucky enough to visit on a sunny day. Light lunch in the cafe was good too!”

If you’re hoping to visit Bath too, you can get there in around 25 minutes. While in the city, you can visit its famous Roman baths and stroll along its quaint historic streets.

Back in Bradford-On-Avon, you can take a stroll along the wharf, which was once the busiest wharf on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

Today, it’s a great place to spot historic canal features, a visitor on Tripadvisor said. They wrote: “A beautiful place to visit, have a boat trip on the canal then walk along to the Tithe Barn which is huge then a pleasant walk along the river Avon on to town and see many interesting buildings.”

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to visit where you’ll still have the opportunity to explore, this little gem in England could be the perfect spot for you.



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk

15 Most Anticipated New TV Series Debuting in 2025

MovieWeb
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15 Most Anticipated New TV Series Debuting in 2025


TV lovers need to prepare themselves for a feast in 2025 because the small screen is about to be flooded with a wave of exciting new stories. After a few pandemic-dampened years, the TV landscape has only just begun to roar back to live and it seems to be out for revenge.

Of course, we’re certainly looking forward to the return of fan-favorite shows like Severance, The Bear, Stranger Things, Andor, and The White Lotus. But it’s the fresh slate of upcoming TV series that has every television enthusiast buzzing with excitement. The next 12 months are shaping up to be a banner for both network TV and streaming, with CBS, NBC, Hulu, and Apple TV+ each promising to deliver an incredibly diverse range of stories.

From star-studded crime thrillers to heartwarming comedies, from sweeping fantasy prequels to animated superhero adventures, the 2025 TV slate has something to tickle your fancy. It’s difficult for creators to come up with the most captivating premises. Especially because we live in an age where we’re inundated with content, and it takes a lot to catch our attention. But 2025 is shaping up to be another landmark year for television and these 15 most anticipated TV series debuting throughout the year are proof why.

15

‘Doc’

Premiering on Fox on January 7th

A medical drama inspired by the Italian series, Doc – Nelle tue mani by Francesco Arlanch and Viola Rispoli, Doc follows Dr. Amy Elias, the chief of internal medicine at Minneapolis’s Westside Hospital, who gets into an accident at the beginning of the series and loses the last eight years’ worth of memory. The only person she remembers from the past is her 9-year-old daughter, who is 17 years old in the present.

Amy struggles to continue practicing medicine without the knowledge and experience from before and tries to rebuild her life while piecing together the pieces of her past. Doc stars Molly Parker in the lead role, with Omar Metwally, Amirah Vann, Jon-Michael Ecker, and Scott Wolff providing supporting turns.

14

‘Shifting Gears’

Premiering on ABC on January 8th

Shifting Gears is a heartwarming comedy about Matt, a headstrong widower who owns a classic car restoration shop and lives a peaceful life in solitude. When his estranged daughter Riley and her teenage children unexpectedly move into the house, Matt must navigate the challenge of merging his two lives.

Tim Allen, who starred in Home Improvement and Last Man Standing before, and Kat Dennings, known for her iconic turn as Max Black in 2 Broke Girls, play Matt and Riley, respectively. The show promises to be relatable and deliver interesting family dynamics.

13

‘The Pitt’

Premiering on Max on January 9th

Another intense medical drama debuting in 2025 is The Pitt. To put it simply, the show follows the daily lives of healthcare professionals at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Hospital. What’s interesting, however, is that each of the 15 episodes covers one hour of a single 15-hour shift and captures the fast-paced environment of the emergency room with authenticity, precision, and empathy.

The story centers on Dr. Michael “Robby” Rabinavitch, played by Noah Wyle, who is the chief of the trauma section. Apart from the current challenges of his job, he’s also struggling with trauma from four years ago. With Wyle leading the cast and the creative team behind E.R. involved, The Pitt will definitely be a soaring success.

Related


50 Best New TV Shows to Stream Right Now

From Netflix to Max, these are some of the best brand-new TV shows you can stream from all major streaming platforms.

12

‘Prime Target’

Premiering on Apple TV+ on January 22nd

The conspiracy thriller slate on Apple TV+ is expanding with the addition of Prime Target. The series follows Edward Brooks, a brilliant young mathematics post-graduate who is on the verge of a major breakthrough in his research. If he succeeds in finding a pattern in prime numbers, he will be able to access every computer in the world. However, a mysterious enemy is about to derail his ambition.

Prime Target boasts an impressive cast, including Leo Woodall (The White Lotus, One Day), Quintessa Swindell (Black Adam, Euphoria), Stephen Rea, David Morrissey, and Martha Plimpton. Ridley Scott serves as the executive producer for the show.

11

‘Watson’

Premiering on CBS on January 26th

Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes has been the launching pad for several movies and TV shows, and how CBS is trying to prove that a series inspired by the character and his intelligence can work without having him in it. Watson is set a year after Sherlock Holmes dies at the hands of Moriarty. Dr. John Watson chooses to resume his career and opens the “Holmes Clinic” to treat people with rare conditions. He has a team, but the past intertwines with his work.

Described as a “medical drama with detective elements,” Watson stars Morris Chestnut as Dr. John Watson. The rest of the talented cast includes Eve Harlow as Ingrid Derian, Inga Schlingmann as Sasha Lubbock, Peter Mark Kendall as Stephens Croft and Adam Croft, Ritchie Coster as Shinwell Johnson, and more.

10

‘Paradise’

Premiering on Hulu on January 28th

Paradise is an upcoming drama on Hulu. It reunites This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman with star Sterling K. Brown and tells the story of Xavier Collins, a security guard for the former president, whose life takes a dramatic turn when a shocking murder occurs and he is unwittingly placed at the center of the investigation and accused of murder because he is the last person to see President Cal Bradford alive.

Fogelman is known for dialing up the tension and emotional stakes in his stories. The plot twists are plenty and jarring enough. With Brown leading the series and James Marsden, Julianne Nicholson, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Aliyah Mastin, and Percy Daggs IV providing supporting turns, the Hulu show is poised for success.

9

‘Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man’

Premiering on Disney+ on January 29th

Marvel’s ever-expanding slate on Disney+ is about to get another animated series, this one focusing solely on Spider-Man. Set in an alternate timeline from the main movies and TV shows of the MCU, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man follows Peter Parker’s early days of becoming a hero, balancing high school, and fighting crime.

The unique twist, however, is that Norman Osborn replaces Tony Stark as Peter’s mentor, which could mean a number of things for the character’s development. Voiced by Hudson Thames, who reprises his role as Spider-Man from What If…?, the series also features voice acting from Colman Domingo, Eugene Byrd, Grace Song, Zeno Robinson, Hugh Dancy, and Charlie Cox.

8

‘The Hunting Party’

Premiering on NBC on February 3rd

Prison escape meets crime procedural in The Hunting Party, an upcoming network show premiering on NBC. The story follows former FBI profiler Rebecca “Bex” Handerson as she assembles a team of investigators. Their job is to locate and capture serial killers who have escaped from the Pit, a top-secret government prison that’s not even “supposed to exist.”

The Hunting Party is expected to combine high-stakes action with psychological thrills to keep viewers hooked to the premise. It’s headlined by Melissa Roxburgh and features Nick Wechsler, Josh McKenzie, and Sara Garcia. JJ Bailey serves as the showrunner and executive producer.

Milena Smit as Miren Rojo in 'The Snow Girl'

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10 Crime TV Shows With 100% Rotten Tomatoes Scores on Netflix

Netflix is the ideal destination for the most gripping crime thrillers that have also earned a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes for their brilliance.

7

‘Suits L.A.’

Premiering on NBC on February 23rd

Once again, NBC takes viewers to the glitzy and extravagant world of Los Angeles with this much-anticipated spin-off. Helmed by Aaron Korsh, Suits L.A. follows Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York, who rose in rank by representing the most powerful clients but is now struggling to keep his new legal girl afloat.

The series promises the same drama, dialogue, and character dynamics that made the original a global hit. Stephen Amell is set to lead the series as Ted, with Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, Bryan Greenberg, and Troy Winbush. Gabriel Macht is also set to appear in a three-episode arc as his character from the original series, Harvey Specter.

6

‘Daredevil: Born Again’

Premiering on Disney+ on March 4th

Charlie Cox pumped new energy into MCU fans by making a cameo appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home and they’ve since awaited his return on the small screen. A part of Phase Five of the MCU, Daredevil: Born Again is a wish come true. Cox reprises his role as the beloved vigilante Matt Murdock in the series, which continues to delve deeper into his life as a blind lawyer by day and masked crime-fighter by night.

Set in the bustling streets of New York, the nine-episode first season will explore Matt’s relentless pursuit of justice as he faces formidable foes like Wilson Fisk and other threats from the past. The star-studded ensemble also includes Vincent D’Onofrio, Deborah Ann Woll, Elden Henson, and Jon Bernthal.

5

‘The Studio’

Premiering on Apple TV+ on March 26th

From the creative minds behind Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, The Studio is a satirical comedy series that offers an unfiltered look into Hollywood. Rogen plays Matt Remick, who is the newly appointed head of Continental Studios. With his team of infighting executives, he navigates the cutthroat industry, deals with artists and their narcissistic demands, and corporate overlords.

Per the official description, “As someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes movies, it’s the job Matt’s been pursuing his whole life, and it may very well destroy him.” Accompanying Rogen are Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz, Chase Sui Wonders; Bryan Cranston, Paul Dano, and more will likely make guest appearances.

4

‘Your Friends and Neighbors’

Premiering on Apple TV+ on April 11th

With Taylor Sheridan’s Landman renewed for another season and his potential return to The Morning Show, Jon Hamm seems to be preparing for a rewarding 2025. Added to the mix is Your Friends and Neighbors, a gripping drama about Andrew Cooper, a hedge fund manager who, after being fired and going through a divorce, resorts to stealing from his affluent neighbors in Vestment Village.

But the more Coop learns about his neighbors’ secrets and affairs, the more dangers he discovers behind their superficial lives. Hamm is supported by Amanda Peet and Olivia Munn. Additionally, Apple TV+ has already renewed the series for a second season.

3

‘Alien: Earth’

Premiering on Hulu in Summer 2025

Likely set to be one of the biggest shows of the year, Alien: Earth was announced back in December 2020, with Noah Hawley serving as the creator. The official description of the sci-fi horror series reads: “When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat.”

The Alien franchise is a huge IP that began in 1979 and has since spawned numerous novels, comics, and video games. With Scott developing the show alongside Hawley and a cast that includes Sydney Chandler, Alex Lawther, and Timothy Olyphant, Alien: Earth will be nothing short of a creative achievement for Hulu.

Igby Rigney, Louis Oliver, and Rahul Abburi in Midnight Mass

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From possessed dolls to vampiric mayhem, these TV shows present the creepiest of places to tell the scariest of tales.

2

‘Chad Powers’

Premiering on Hulu in Fall 2025

Created by Glen Powell and Michael Waldron, Chad Powers is an upcoming sports comedy series in the same vein as Ted Lasso. Inspired by the 2022 Eli Manning sketch on ESPN, Chad Powers revolves around the story of a hotshot athlete who finds himself at a crossroads and is forced to disguise himself before walking into the Southern football team as a new player.

Powell plays the lead character, bringing his charm and comedic timing to the role. The series is expected to be a breakout comedy hit with hilarious moments and unexpected twists and turns. It also stars Steve Zahn, Toby Huss, Wynn Everett, Perry Mattfeld, Clayne Crawford, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Xavier Mills Colton, Ryan, Keese Wilson, and Quentin Plair.

1

‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’

Premiering on HBO, Date TBD

A prequel to Game of Thrones, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms takes place in the rich and expansive world of Westeros and follows the journey of “a naïve but courageous knight and his diminutive squire,” as they traverse the politics and battles of the realm. The series is based on Martin’s novellas, “Tales of Dunk and Egg,” which assimilate themselves into the “Song of Ice and Fire” saga quite effortlessly.

The series is an anticipated addition to HBO’s lineup thanks to its connection to the Game of Thrones universe. It stars Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan the Tall, or Dunk, the titular hedge knight, and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg, Prince Aegon Targaryen, a prince of the Targaryen dynasty and Dunk’s squire.



This story originally appeared on Movieweb

The Lion King’s Scar Becomes Another Iconic, But Pathetic, Disney Villain In Mash-Up Art

ScreenRant
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The Lion King’s Scar Becomes Another Iconic, But Pathetic, Disney Villain In Mash-Up Art


On the heels of his return to the big screen, a piece of Lion King fan art swaps Scar into another iconic Disney villain’s place. Originally voiced by Jeremy Irons in the 1994 animated classic, which still ranks high on many lists of Disney’s best films, Scar has also remained one of Disney’s most popular villains. More recently, the character appeared in the 2019 remake, where he was voiced by Chiwetel Ejiofor, as well as the prequel film Mufasa: The Lion King, where he was voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.

In the Instagram post from @richietoons, it shows Scar “on the set” of Robin Hood. The image shows Scar wearing Prince John’s crown, robe, and slippers, with the Lion King villain also having a facial expression similar to Prince John, namely by sucking his own thumb. Scar is also joined in the piece by Banzai, one of the hyenas from The Lion King, who was voiced by Cheech Marin, who is shown wearing the clothes of Prince John’s sidekick, Sir Hiss. The post also includes the designs of these versions of Scar and Banzai in black and white. The fan art can be found below:

What The Mash-Up Art Means For Scar

This Version Of Scar Is Very Different From The Lion King

This mash-up art piece shows a very different side of Scar than how the villain appeared in The Lion King. In all versions of the animated classic, Scar is shown to be a smart and cold character. Throughout the films, Scar will often find ways to make situations play out the way that he wants them to. Instead, this Robin Hood version of Scar is shown to be cowardly and pathetic.

Related


The Lion King: 5 Things Scar Was Right About (& 5 Mufasa Was)

From Scar’s belief that he should be king to Mufasa’s philosophy about the circle of life. The Lion King Brothers both ultimately have valid points.

Scar’s different personality in Robin Hood could also be because he would have a different enemy. In The Lion King, Scar was able to trick and manipulate Simba because of how young he was, and it wasn’t until Simba returned to Pride Rock as an adult that the villain was defeated. In the art piece’s reality, Scar would have to face Robin Hood, who would be an adult, and unlike Simba, would also have the advantage of being able to use weapons.

Our Take On The Lion King And Robin Hood Mash-Up Art

A Fun Take That Brings Together Two Classic Disney Films

Scar and Mufasa look at one another in the animated The Lion King movie

Scar and Prince John may both be animated royal lions who are villains, however, they are very different characters. Part of what makes the artwork so fun is seeing Scar in a way that he would never be shown in The Lion King. It’s almost like seeing an audition tape of a famous actor who tried out for an iconic role, but ultimately didn’t get it. Another fun aspect of the piece is that, since The Lion King and Robin Hood were separated by 21 years, it brings together two beloved Disney movies from two different generations.

Source: @richietoons/Instagram




This story originally appeared on Screenrant

JJ Redick vows to help rebuild L.A. after losing home in fire

LATimes
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JJ Redick vows to help rebuild L.A. after losing home in fire

Lakers coach JJ Redick, speaking for the first time since he and his family had their Pacific Palisades home destroyed by a fire that devastated a community, fought back tears as he talked about the loss he and his neighbors suffered, the resolve to rebuild Los Angeles and the sanctuary basketball provided him on Friday as the team held a practice.

The Lakers are scheduled to host San Antonio on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena, and despite the unimaginable loss Redick and his family suffered this week, he wants the Lakers to play.

“Being around the guys and coaching — and I told them this — we’re prepared for whatever tomorrow. We obviously are going to work with the NBA, the Spurs, the city and do what’s right,” he said. “I want to play tomorrow, I want to coach tomorrow. I want these guys to play tomorrow and if we can play, we’ll play.

“I do believe for everybody, for everybody that has been impacted by this, there is a grieving process. There’s a healing process. I can only speak for myself, part of my healing and grieving process is being here with these guys and coaching basketball.”

Tears filled Redick’s eyes as he recounted a conversation he had with his wife, Chelsea, after seeing the destruction in Pacific Palisades with his own eyes Wednesday morning.

“I’m not sure I’ve wept or wailed like that in several years,” he said. “And she said to me, ‘I was very hesitant to move out here. I was very hesitant for you to go into coaching. I’ve never loved living somewhere more than I’ve loved Brooklyn, and I’ve never loved the community more than I love the community I’ve had in Brooklyn. And then, you know, it’s like, we move out here and the Palisades community has really just been so good to us.’

“And … I think that’s the part for us that we’re really struggling with is just the loss of community. And I recognize that people make up community, and we’re going to rebuild and we want to help lead on that. But all the churches, the schools, the library, like it’s all gone.”

In particular, the community’s recreation center had become an important place to the family beginning with the first time they saw the house that they rented and filled with their most important possessions while trying to find a permanent base in Los Angeles.

“The day we visited the house and decided we wanted to live in the house, we’re like, let’s go explore the village. And we stumbled upon the rec center and there was some summer rec league basketball games going on. One kid, Milo, was playing. I was like, ‘Oh, he’s pretty good.’ He ended up being one of our neighbors; they lost their home. The rec center was like this, this place we were at every day. I mean, flag football, basketball, the playground, baseball, tennis courts. Like it’s just … and everyone we knew was there every day. And … it just hurts to lose that.”

Redick said he and his family were committed to being a part of the recovery effort in the city.

“For our family, we’re as committed as ever to Los Angeles,” he said. “We recognize, like it’s not just our community that has been impacted by this. There’s people in Malibu, there’s people in Brentwood, there’s people up in the Valley, there’s people in Pasadena … it’s all over L.A. And if there’s anything we can do to help and lead, we will. … We’re still figuring that out. It’s still pretty fresh, but, we’re committed to helping other people as much as we can. And we’re going to do that. And we recognize that it’s going to be a long process. …

“This has impacted so many people. I don’t want people to feel sorry for me and my family. We’re gonna be all right. We’re gonna be all right. There’s people that, um, you know, because of some political issues and some insurance issues are not going to be all right. And we’re going to do everything we can to help anybody who’s down and out because of this.”



This story originally appeared on LA Times

NBA Power Rankings: Under-the-radar trade moves for all 30 teams

ESPN
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NBA Power Rankings: Under-the-radar trade moves for all 30 teams


All eyes will be on Wednesday’s big matchup (and a possible NBA Finals preview) between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Cleveland Cavaliers in a clash between the league’s top two teams.

Both boast the best records in their conferences and both are riding impressive winning streaks (OKC’s 15 to Cleveland’s 10). Both have All-Star talent in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland.

Off the court, the buzz around the NBA has been on Jimmy Butler and what the Miami Heat will do with the disgruntled player ahead of the Feb. 6 deadline after suspending him for seven games last week. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers got the trade action started in December, and with less than a month to go until the deadline, expect deals to pick up as teams jockey for postseason push or rebuilding plans.

This week, we asked our NBA insiders to look at one trade option — some sneaky, some less so — for all 30 teams, whether it’s to fill a glaring roster hole or add some depth ahead of the second half of the season.

Here are the updated rankings for all 30 clubs.

Note: Team rankings are based on where members of our panel (ESPN’s Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Michael Wright, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin, Ohm Youngmisuk, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton) think teams belong this season.

Previous rankings: Preseason | Oct. 30 | Nov. 5 | Nov. 13 | Nov. 20 | Nov. 27 | Dec. 4 | Dec. 11 | Dec. 18 | Dec. 25 | Jan. 1

Jump to a team:
ATL | BOS | BKN | CHA | CHI | CLE
DAL | DEN | DET | GS | HOU | IND
LAC | LAL | MEM | MIA | MIL | MIN
NO | NY | OKC | ORL | PHI | PHX
POR | SAC | SA | TOR | UTAH | WAS

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

  • 2024-25 record: 31-4

  • Previous ranking: 1

  • Next games: vs. OKC (Jan. 8), vs. TOR (Jan. 9), vs. IND (Jan. 12), @ IND (Jan. 14)

Acquiring Cameron Johnson and Maxwell Lewis from the Nets for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang and draft capital would give the Cavs a coveted two-way player. Johnson is on a reasonable contract for years to come, while LeVert is on an expiring deal. Cleveland has been so good that this isn’t an absolute must move — the Cavs front office is reluctant to disturb the chemistry in that locker room for any marginal deal, sources told ESPN, but Johnson seems like he could fit in anywhere with his game and demeanor. — Dave McMenamin

2. Oklahoma City Thunder

  • 2024-25 record: 30-5

  • Previous ranking: 2

  • Next games: @ CLE (Jan. 8), @ NYK (Jan. 10), @ WAS (Jan. 12), @ PHI (Jan. 14)

Oklahoma City will be tied to much splashier trade candidates because the Thunder have the assets to deal for anyone. But for a team projected to win 70 games, an argument can be made against making a core-altering deal midseason, especially considering that OKC will need to go through an adjustment period when Chet Holmgren returns. The Thunder could use another shooter for the bench, though. How about Sacramento’s Doug McDermott, who’s played in 25 games this season for the Kings and had a brief stint in OKC earlier in his career? — Tim MacMahon

3. Boston Celtics

The Celtics, with a roster that’s basically set, will either stand pat or trim salary between now and the trade deadline. The most obvious candidate for the latter option is guard Jaden Springer, who is in the final year of his deal making a little north of $4 million. If the Celtics send Springer to another team and don’t take back salary in the deal, they can save roughly $16 million. — Tim Bontemps

4. New York Knicks

  • 2024-25 record: 24-13

  • Previous ranking: 3

  • Next games: vs. TOR (Jan. 8), vs. OKC (Jan. 10), vs. MIL (Jan. 12), vs. DET (Jan. 13)

The Knicks have gotten fewer minutes and less scoring production out of their bench than any other team and could benefit from another reserve big man. Wing minutes are largely covered by Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby and Josh Hart. But having a big, reliable center behind Karl-Anthony Towns — other than 6-foot-8 Precious Achiuwa — will be vital, and Mitchell Robinson‘s health has been a question for a while. A 7-footer like Washington’s Jonas Valanciunas is far from perfect on defense, but would fill a need. — Chris Herring

5. Houston Rockets

The Rockets could use a go-to wing scorer capable of fitting into coach Ime Udoka’s defense-first philosophy, but general manager Rafael Stone doesn’t appear to be interested in disrupting the club’s young core (at least for now). Houston seems ready to take the next step in its ascension. But the summer might be the best time to do something major (De’Aaron Fox?) for a team that possesses plenty of young prospects and draft assets to pull off big moves. A move for Jimmy Butler feels unlikely. — Michael Wright

6. Memphis Grizzlies

Another team rumored to be involved in the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes, Memphis ranks third in the West with one of the NBA’s deepest rosters, making players such as Marcus Smart, Luke Kennard, John Konchar and Brandon Clarke attractive options in potential trades. The Grizzlies have the resources to acquire a star such as Butler, and they’ve been looking to grab a two-way wing who can create. But at 35, Butler appears to be more of a potential solution to current goals than the bright future in Memphis. — Wright

7. Denver Nuggets

  • 2024-25 record: 20-15

  • Previous ranking: 10

  • Next games: vs. LAC (Jan. 8), vs. BKN (Jan. 10), @ DAL (Jan. 12), @ DAL (Jan. 14)

Russell Westbrook has worked out a lot better than expected when the Nuggets added him in the offseason. But Nikola Jokic could use more help to alleviate some of the burden on his and Jamal Murray‘s shoulders. While the Nuggets could desperately use a two-way wing to help improve the defense, they also need another scorer. Bulls guard Zach LaVine has scored 30 or more in four of his previous five games entering Tuesday, and the Nuggets can use another big-time scorer like him, but it would almost certainly cost Michael Porter Jr. in return. — Ohm Youngmisuk

8. Los Angeles Lakers

If L.A. could keep its best three players in Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Austin Reaves while adding a two-time All-Star like Zach LaVine — for a package of Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jalen Hood-Schifino and draft capital — it would give JJ Redick’s offense a much-needed boost, while not sacrificing too much on the defensive end. Dorian Finney-Smith could step into Hachimura’s role, and L.A. could be a destination for buyout players for the stretch run. LaVine, averaging 23.1 points on 51/45/82% splits this season, and still just 29, can help L.A. now and in the future. — McMenamin

9. LA Clippers

The Clippers just got Kawhi Leonard back to join a roster that has been built around having complimentary defensive-minded players. While they could use another scorer to help Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell and Ivica Zubac, the Clippers also could use a young player with potential. They need some consistent help behind Zubac at center. Portland’s Robert Williams III has been injured, but he’s still only 27 and the kind of young talented player with potential that the Clippers can use more of. And he would only make Jeff Van Gundy’s defense even stingier. Of course, Portland’s price tag for Williams might be too much for the Clippers. — Youngmisuk

10. Orlando Magic

Since Franz Wagner joined Paolo Banchero on the sidelines, the Magic’s offensive rating ranks 29th, ahead of only the Hornets. Orlando’s top-five defense has helped the team stay in the East’s top four, and Banchero could return soon, but the Magic will still be in the market for more offensive punch at the deadline. With Cole Anthony falling to the fringes of Orlando’s rotation at times, would the Magic be willing to add a veteran scorer off the bench like Utah’s Jordan Clarkson? — Kevin Pelton

11. Dallas Mavericks

Can the Mavs find a trade to replace the offensive production they’re missing while Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving are sidelined by injuries? Of course not. If healthy, Dallas will be considered a dangerous playoff matchup regardless of seeding, but the Mavs could use a disruptive on-ball defender such as the Pelicans’ Javonte Green, who is on a minimum contract. — MacMahon

12. Milwaukee Bucks

  • 2024-25 record: 18-16

  • Previous ranking: 12

  • Next games: vs. SA (Jan. 8), @ ORL (Jan. 10), @ NYK (Jan. 12), vs. SAC (Jan. 14)

The Bucks have been one of the most aggressive teams in the league looking for deals throughout the season, scouring the trade market as early as the start of November after a slow start. But Milwaukee is up against the second apron, meaning the Bucks can’t aggregate salaries in a trade or bring back a single dollar more than it sends out. That hasn’t stopped Bucks general manager Jon Horst, who has been one of the most active general managers at the deadline the past few seasons. The Bucks could even make a long-shot play for Butler but that would require some salary management moves with MarJon Beauchamp, Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis. — Jamal Collier

13. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors might wait until closer to the trade deadline to not only give their current roster more time to get out of their recent struggles but also see what the market will be for other deals. One player who could help the Warriors — and might not cost them as much as a bigger star — is Chicago’s Nikola Vucevic. The Bulls’ big man would seem to be a nice fit for Steve Kerr’s offense and could give Stephen Curry another scoring option as well as stretch the floor and help on the glass. Golden State, though, won’t want to part with young assets like Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski unless it brings back a franchise-altering player. — Youngmisuk

14. San Antonio Spurs

Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox makes plenty of sense in San Antonio, given how the 27-year-old fits within the timeline of the young Spurs roster and his potential on-court fit alongside French phenom Victor Wembanyama. But the Spurs are still trying to figure out what combinations work best with Wembanyama, making it unlikely they will make a legit play for Fox at the deadline unless the right deal falls into place. San Antonio probably won’t make a real push for Fox until the summer. Keldon Johnson, Tre Jones and Zach Collins appear to be on the team’s list of most tradeable players. — Wright

15. Indiana Pacers

  • 2024-25 record: 19-18

  • Previous ranking: 19

  • Next games: vs. CHI (Jan. 8), vs. GS (Jan. 10), @ CLE (Jan. 12), vs. CLE (Jan. 14)

Indiana made a big splash last season by acquiring Pascal Siakam before the trade deadline en route to the Eastern Conference finals. Is there a similar splash that could propel them there again this year? It’s unlikely, but the Pacers — who have won three in a row and seven of their past 10 games — could use some help on the wings, which is why they have been connected to Nets sharpshooter Cameron Johnson. — Collier

16. Miami Heat

With Jimmy Butler suspended for their entire West Coast road trip, which began Monday in Sacramento, the Heat have a couple of weeks to let the temperature cool between the two sides. Butler’s future will dominate in Miami until he’s traded, or the deadline passes. It’s hard to see Miami focusing on anything else until that massive piece of business is resolved. — Bontemps

17. Atlanta Hawks

After acquiring Dyson Daniels — whose defensive prowess earned him the nickname the Great Barrier Thief — via trade last summer, the Hawks would be wise to target a player like Chicago’s Jevon Carter, who also prioritizes defense. Carter isn’t known for his scoring ability, but the 29-year-old exploded for 26 points — including 19 in the first quarter, during which he drilled six triples — in a Dec. 26 loss to Atlanta. Carter likely wouldn’t cost the Hawks much, given that he doesn’t play every night for the Bulls. — Herring

18. Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota made a major trade before the start of the season by sending Karl-Anthony Towns to New York in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. After such a major shake-up, the Wolves are more likely to be quiet at the deadline. But if they wanted to make a move, the Wolves could move Randle and use his $33 million salary to pursue a superstar to fit alongside Anthony Edwards. — Collier

19. Detroit Pistons

  • 2024-25 record: 18-18

  • Previous ranking: 23

  • Next games: @ BKN (Jan. 8), vs. GS (Jan. 9), vs. TOR (Jan. 11), @ NYK (Jan. 13)

The Pistons are in an unusual position as the only NBA team with cap space leading up to the trade deadline. Ordinarily, teams with cap room are near the bottom of the standings, but a recent four-game winning streak has Detroit in a battle for a top-six seed in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons could use that flexibility to add to their core, perhaps by bringing in another guard following Jaden Ivey‘s fibula fracture. Marcus Sasser has moved into the rotation after playing well in spot opportunities, but Detroit has little depth in the backcourt beyond him. — Pelton

20. Sacramento Kings

A five-game winning streak under interim coach Doug Christie won’t likely do much to change the Kings’ pursuit of a deadline upgrade, although it might change their target. With Keon Ellis excelling in a starting role and rookie Devin Carter debuting after shoulder surgery, adding a guard may no longer be important for Sacramento. The Kings could use help in the frontcourt, where they lack a reliable backup for Domantas Sabonis and have limited size at the forward spots. Jerami Grant, Brandon Ingram, Cameron Johnson and Kyle Kuzma are logical targets to fill that void. — Pelton

21. Philadelphia 76ers

  • 2024-25 record: 14-20

  • Previous ranking: 20

  • Next games: vs. WAS (Jan. 8), vs. NO (Jan. 10), @ ORL (Jan. 12), vs. OKC (Jan. 14)

Daryl Morey is always aggressive at the trade deadline, and don’t expect this year to be any different with a win-now 76ers roster that has been beset by injuries. It’s been a steady climb back into the East playoff picture over the past few weeks after Philadelphia’s disastrous 3-14 start. Armed with some mid-tier salaries and several first-round picks, the 76ers could make multiple moves to improve their standing and use KJ Martin — he becomes trade eligible next week — if the opportunities arise. — Bontemps

22. Chicago Bulls

  • 2024-25 record: 17-19

  • Previous ranking: 22

  • Next games: @ IND (Jan. 8), vs. WAS (Jan. 10), vs. SAC (Jan. 12), vs. NO (Jan. 14)

The Bulls have not been an active team at the trade deadline in recent years, going three straight seasons without making a deal during deadline week. However, Chicago seems likely to change that this season with veterans Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine off to terrific starts but not fitting in with the long-term vision for the team’s rebuild. Currently in 10th place in the East but with a 2025 draft pick due to the Spurs if it falls outside the top 10, the Bulls are likely to target young players with upside rather than a collection of draft picks. — Collier

23. Phoenix Suns

  • 2024-25 record: 16-19

  • Previous ranking: 18

  • Next games: vs. ATL (Jan. 9), vs. UTAH (Jan. 11), vs. CHA (Jan. 12), @ ATL (Jan. 14)

This is not so sneaky but acquiring Jimmy Butler should be the move Phoenix obsesses over until it is completed or it becomes clear it will not happen — either because of Miami’s unwillingness to send Butler to a preferred destination or Bradley Beal‘s refusal to waive his no-trade clause. Butler would shake things up for a Suns team that just can’t find a rhythm, and the move would signal to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker the franchise’s continued urgency to capitalize on their time together. — McMenamin

24. Portland Trail Blazers

  • 2024-25 record: 12-23

  • Previous ranking: 25

  • Next games: @ NO (Jan. 8), @ DAL (Jan. 9), vs. MIA (Jan. 11), vs. BKN (Jan. 14)

If the Blazers trade one of their veteran starters, Jerami Grant or Anfernee Simons, expect them to target players who can help now rather than draft picks. That approach paid off with Deni Avdija, who’s been Portland’s most efficient perimeter scorer after being acquired on draft night for two first-round picks. As flush as the Blazers are with young guards, they could stand to upgrade their shooting by adding a player like Sacramento’s Kevin Huerter as matching salary in such a trade.— Pelton

25. Brooklyn Nets

  • 2024-25 record: 13-23

  • Previous ranking: 21

  • Next games: vs. DET (Jan. 8), @ DEN (Jan. 10), @ UTAH (Jan. 12), @ POR (Jan. 14)

Brooklyn already dealt two starters in Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith in recent weeks, indicating that the Nets — hoping to land a top pick in the lottery — are still more likely to trade away talent. (Nets forward Cameron Johnson figures to be on several teams’ wish lists leading up to the deadline.) The club isn’t concerned about finding win-now players. Still, with floor generals and free-agents-to-be D’Angelo Russell and Ben Simmons on the roster, Brooklyn could inquire about a solid young guard like San Antonio’s Tre Jones as the Nets take the next steps in their rebuild. — Herring

26. Utah Jazz

Any trade the Jazz make will likely be more about picks than players in terms of compensation, but perhaps Utah can acquire a young prospect. Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia is the type of player who might fit that mold, as he’s shown potential but has a murky future in Memphis, which declined his fourth-year player option. The third-year guard has had a good season — 8.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists in 22.2 minutes per game while shooting 50% from the floor and 45.3% from 3-point range — and the salary cap rules might hamper the Grizzlies on what they can offer if they do want to keep him. — MacMahon

27. Toronto Raptors

  • 2024-25 record: 8-28

  • Previous ranking: 28

  • Next games: @ NYK (Jan. 8), @ CLE (Jan. 9), @ DET (Jan. 11), vs. GS (Jan. 13)

After years of contention, Toronto is entering into a rebuild centered around All-Star forward Scottie Barnes. The biggest question for the Raptors over the next month is the future of guard Bruce Brown, who is finally back on the court and is on a $23 million expiring contract, making him a prime candidate to be moved if Toronto can find the right deal. — Bontemps

28. New Orleans Pelicans

  • 2024-25 record: 7-30

  • Previous ranking: 29

  • Next games: vs. POR (Jan. 8), @ PHI (Jan. 10), @ BOS (Jan. 12), @ CHI (Jan. 14)

Brandon Ingram is about to be an unrestricted free agent on a team that doesn’t appear to be close to making a real push for the postseason. Trading the 27-year old is a priority for the Pelicans, who also appear open to potentially moving veteran guard CJ McCollum. Zion Williamson isn’t exactly untouchable here, but he’s still 24 and dripping with superstar potential that the Pelicans aren’t ready to give up on yet. — Wright

29. Charlotte Hornets

Far more likely to lean into its solid lottery odds than to push for more wins in the second half, Charlotte doesn’t need to take an aggressive swing for a contributor. If anything, it’d be best served by finding solid veterans to serve as examples for star youngsters like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, who figure to lead the organization for years to come. That could potentially be accomplished by the Hornets using their cap space to help to facilitate deals as a third party — and collecting spare draft picks by doing so — the way they did to help the Knicks and Wolves close the blockbuster deal involving Karl-Anthony Towns.— Herring

30. Washington Wizards

  • 2024-25 record: 6-28

  • Previous ranking: 30

  • Next games: @ PHI (Jan. 8), @ CHI (Jan. 10), vs. OKC (Jan. 12), vs. MIN (Jan. 13)

Washington has been more connected to who they could trade — Kyle Kuzma — rather than who they could get. The Wizards will keep collecting as many assets as they can as they continue to build for the future. But if they do land any players in trades, Memphis veteran point guard Marcus Smart could be someone who could help them in a variety of ways. Smart is more suitable for a team ready to win now, so that could serve Washington well in relocating the veteran in exchange for more assets. But if the Wizards were to land someone like Smart and hold onto him for a bit, he could help mentor young talent like Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George. — Youngmisuk



This story originally appeared on ESPN

Jordan Spieth to return from wrist surgery at Pebble Beach

ESPN
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Jordan Spieth to return from wrist surgery at Pebble Beach


Jan 10, 2025, 04:36 PM ET

Jordan Spieth has been playing golf for a month without pain and plans to return from wrist surgery at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, ending his longest stretch without competition and looking at his time off as a chance to reset.

“I had some really bad habits for a long time,” Spieth said in a telephone interview Friday. “Whether it was something that would have happened anyway or whether anything in my wrist was causing me to not be able to get into certain positions, I don’t have that issue now.

“Having to take three months off swinging forces you to come back and be wet concrete.”

He first injured his wrist in May 2023 when the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon (ECU) would pop out of the sheath. It reached a point where he decided to have surgery Aug. 21 in Colorado to rebuild the sheath.

Spieth said he went nearly 12 weeks before he could hit balls, and then another month before he played his first round.

“I’m not calling this swing changes,” he said. “These are just a reset into some of the stuff I did that was my DNA, that was super advantageous that I had gotten away from for one reason or another.”

Spieth spoke on his way to practice at Trinity Forest in Dallas — “First time I’ve hit to a range covered in snow,” he said — before going to the Cotton Bowl for the Texas-Ohio State College Football Playoff semifinal.

Still to come is shots from gnarly spots in the rough or an awkward lie in a bunker. But he said he was relieved when he no longer felt pain from having the club in certain positions or when the club made impact with the turf.

“One day I hit a shot that should have hurt and it didn’t,” he said.

He contemplated playing next week in the California desert. Instead, his return — a little more than five months since his last competition — will be at Pebble Beach. It coincides with AT&T’s 40th year as title sponsor, currently the longest-running sponsorship among tournaments. Spieth has had a corporate relationship with AT&T since 2014.

Now it’s a question of getting back among the elite in golf.

Spieth chased the calendar Grand Slam in 2015, when he reached No. 1 in the world, and had three majors before turning 24. He first noticed something going on his wrist in 2018, and he has missed the Tour Championship four times in the last seven years.

“I think I’m trying to look big picture,” he said. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on a hot start. I just want to get back into a rhythm. This is by far the longest I’ve gone between tournament rounds.”

His plan is to go three straight weeks — that equates to about 18 rounds — and take stock of how his wrist feels before resuming a normal schedule leading up to the Masters.

He is No. 70 in the world, having dropped from No. 43 when he had surgery, and failed to advance out of the first round of the PGA Tour postseason. That means he will need sponsor exemptions for the signature events, which is not likely to be an issue given his star power.

Spieth first rose to fame in 2013 at age 20 when he went from not having a PGA Tour card to playing in the Presidents Cup in a six-month span. Even last year, when he was in the mix only once, he still managed to finish at No. 5 in the Player Impact Program.

Now he starts his 13th season — “I like it better to say I’m 31,” Spieth said — and has seen enough to realize the depth on the PGA Tour is stronger than ever and it’s rarer now to see great success after golfers turn 40.

Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson are the only players 40 or older to have won a major over the last 10 years.

His immediate goals are the PGA Championship to complete the career Grand Slam and The Players Championship. “I feel like you’ve conquered golf if you’ve won all five,” he said.

But his return — this reset that he mentions — is about getting back to a high level of play.

“I think the biggest goals for me, I want to feel like I step on the tee and I know I’m one of the best golfers in the world — I have no doubts about that when I step on the tee,” he said. “I want things to be in place where I feel consistent enough to believe that day in and day out. It has to do with being on runs where you’re finishing in the top 10, top 15 every week.

“I know that feeling. That’s the feeling I want to get back to.”



This story originally appeared on ESPN

Bob Clearmountain, L.A. recording icon, lost home in Palisades fire: ‘This could be the end of our world.’

LATimes
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Bob Clearmountain, L.A. recording icon, lost home in Palisades fire: ‘This could be the end of our world.’


On Tuesday afternoon, Bob Clearmountain was driving back from Apogee Studios in Santa Monica to his home in Pacific Palisades. The revered producer and mixer has helmed records by such rock legends as Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Roxy Music and David Bowie, often out of his home studio, Mix This!, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. He could feel the Santa Ana winds ripping up the coast and through the canyons.

“From Sunset Boulevard, I could see flames up on the hill and smoke. I thought, ‘Well, I’m sure the fire department’s gonna be there pretty soon.’ The news said the wind was blowing in the other direction, so I kind of assumed they’re going to contain it pretty soon. But a few hours later, my daughter called me and said, ‘You’ve got to get out of there.’”

As Clearmountain, his wife and his assistant packed up three cars with gear and valuables, they still hoped it was just a precaution. Much of the gear in the studio he’d custom-built over decades was immobile — the Bösendorfer grand piano or the SSL recording console couldn’t get out on short notice.

“We grabbed everything we could think of. I had some some things that Bruce Springsteen had given us; he had done a little one of his little stick-figure doodles for my wife’s 50th birthday, which I thought, ‘Well, that’s something pretty special.’

“But we just figured we’d be back in a few days,” Clearmountain continued. “That once the evacuation order was lifted we’d just be loading everything back into the house. It really didn’t occur to us that this could be the end of our world.”

They decamped back to the Apogee Studios in Santa Monica, where Clearmountain and his wife, Apogee founder Betty Bennett, stayed in a guest apartment usually reserved for bands passing through. Helpless, they watched the scene through their doorbell camera as the Palisades fire advanced down the hillside toward their community.

“We could see our neighbor’s fence was catching fire and our trash cans were on fire. The cameras went out at about quarter to 8, and we figured, ‘Well, I don’t know, maybe somehow it’s just gonna skip our house because our walls are all stucco.’ We didn’t know anything until Wednesday, and then we heard that that all but one house on our street were gone completely.”

“Finally, this morning, one of our new neighbors somehow got in and took a picture of our driveway with nothing behind it,” he said. “Just a driveway and some ashes.”

The scale of the destruction from this week’s fires is overwhelming, with at least 10 lives lost and more than 9,000 structures damaged or destroyed in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and other neighborhoods. Among that devastation are irreplaceable cultural sites, which include beloved recording studios where artists made some of their cherished albums.

The rustic recording studio retreat is a visual icon of Los Angeles music history. In the L.A. recording community, Clearmountain’s home is a nearly sacred site. Many other studios are also believed to be damaged or lost in the area and in Altadena, which has become a home for L.A.’s indie music community.

Clearmountain is only beginning to take in the reality of losing his home and a generationally important recording studio, one built over decades to his exact designs and full of instruments and gear that yielded some of the most popular rock music of our time. He said he’ll continue to work one way or another in the wake of this.

“I look at it as a challenge, the next chapter,” he said. “I can’t really look back. I can’t spend too much time being bummed out about it. I’ve got to say, ‘OK, what can I do?’ I’m going to change the style of what I do. I’m gonna do what I do, but do it differently, and hopefully it’ll be good, maybe better than what I was doing. That’s all I can think right now.”

He worries about other studios and home recording sites that don’t have his resources to rebuild elsewhere. The lives and homes lost are innumerable and devastating, but the cultural loss and inability of musicians to work is part of the tragedy as well.

“Maybe there should be a fund. Not for me, because I’m doing fine, but for other studios,” Clearmountain said. “There’s a lot of people that aren’t as well-off. I can survive, but there are people that that are going to have a really rough time, and they need help. I’d be willing to chip in and help them.”



This story originally appeared on LA Times

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